Rangitikei Advocate. THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1909. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9409, 1 April 1909, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. THURSDAY, APRIL 1,1909. EDITORIAL NOTES.

IP we are to believe Mr Wilbnr Wright, the management of an aeroplane is hardly more difficult than that of a bicycle. Mr Balfour paid a visit last month to Pan where Mr Wright is making his flights, and in the course of conversation Mr Wright mentioned that before his arrival in Europe he had been only four hours in the air, and that even at the' time he spoke he had not spent more than forty hours. Mr Balfour expressed a desire to accompany Mri Wright, but the latter deferred the joint flight owing to the fact that he was not satisfied as co the condition of his motors, Mr Balfour had to content himself with assisting in wheeling the aeroplane from what is known as its aerodrome. Subsequently Mr Wright amused himself with executing quick turns and other movements, showing his marvellous control of the machine. We cannot help thinking that Mr Wright’s statement as to the time required to learn the control of an aeroplane is misleading. The Wright Brothers have been occupied for years in the construction of their flying machines, and, though the time they have actually spent in the air may have been small, they had much practical experience which was of value altogether apart from the fact that they have a special talent for their work.

THE vote ol censure proposed on the British Government for neglecting to provide sufficient vessels to maintain the two-power standard, has resulted as it was bound to.do in the ignominious defeat of the Opposition, and Mr Balfour can hardly flatter himself that he has in any way benefited either the navy or his own party. Sir Edward Grey was very wisely selected as the first speaker in defence of the Ministry. He is recognised by all parties alike as a sound Imperialist and his conduct of the foreign Office has been such as to secure the respect not only of all British subjects, but also of foreign Powers. Sir Edward" Grey admitted that the situation was very grave, and that Britain would have to rebuild the whole of he? fleet in order to compete 'with Germany. The element of uncertainty was when this should be done. Sir E. Grey stated that except in the matter of producing gun mountings Britain had far better facilities for building and arming men of war than Germany, and the Admiralty had made arrangements for the more rapid manufacture of gun mountings. Any agreement for the reduction of armaments is out of the question, therefore Britain must just face the position, and build so as maintain the supremacy on which her existence depends.

MR FISHER has delivered his policy speech and in it shows an utter misconception" of the requirements of naval defence. His idea is apparently that Australia can be defended by means of a score of torpedo boats and a few submarines. His opinion seems to be that any hostile force which desires to attack Australia out of a coast line of ten thousand miles, choose the few places where the Government has put its torpedo boats. The whole theory of naval defence may be summed up in a few words—to seek out the fleet of the enemy wherever it is and destroy it. Australia is in no danger, except from a comparatively harmless raid so long as Britain holds the command of the sea, and if this is lost, torpedo boats will be quite useless as a defence against invasion. If Australia wishes to have a navy of her own she must build Dreadnoughts and cruisers like every other country which has a fleet, and if she is not willing to go to this expense she must assist in maintaining a fleet for the Empire unless she desires to shirk all responsibility. The people of Australia are hardly like’y to endorse Mr Fisher’s policy so far as it concerns the Navy and the sooner he readjusts it the batter it will be for him